The Art of France: Riviera Charm, Provençal Heritage & Parisian Glamour

Experience the beauty and architecture of the French Riviera on this guided tour. Begin with a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coastline to Monaco, a bastion of glitz and glamor. Traverse the narrow alleyways of Le Rocher in Old Town and arrive at the Monaco Cathedral. See the Prince’s Palace, which houses a classic car museum and zoological gardens. View the Changing of the Guard Ceremony on Palace Square and cruise along the bay to the 18th-century Fort Antoine. Head out to Place du Casino and wrap up your visit with a ride on the Circuit de Monaco. Next, proceed to the medieval village of Eze, perched in the craggy cliffs high above the sea. Follow your guide through its winding alleyways, passing by well-preserved stone buildings and chapels. After, visit the renowned Fragonard Perfumery that produces cosmetics, perfumes and soaps. See how these luxurious products are made, packaged and stored before wrapping up for the day.

Experience the charms of the French Riviera as you explore three popular destinations. In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Nice and driven to Cannes. Once you reach, head down the iconic Croisette Avenue, lined with casinos, upscale boutiques and luxury hotels. Feel like a celebrity as you walk the red carpet at the Palais des Festivals, the venue of the annual Cannes Film Festival. Next, journey to the port town of Antibes and visit its old town area that is enclosed by 16th-century ramparts. As you walk the cobblestone streets, made famous by artists such as Pablo Picasso, learn about the region’s rich history. Your guide will point out the Cap d’Antibes peninsula that is tucked between Antibes and the resort town of Juan-les-Pins. After, travel to the village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence dating back to the 11th century. This fortified settlement has hosted renowned personalities such as Chagall, Picasso, and Marcel Pagnol. In the village, you will see a 17th-century wash house and adjacent to it, the famous La Colombe d’Or hotel. This property has hosted Henri Matisse, Roger Moore and Tony Curtis among others. Visit the final resting place of Chagall and his wife. Finally, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the ramparts and the cobblestone streets before the tour winds up.

Explore the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, discover its Southern Rhone wines and Provencal villages on this wine connoisseur-led excursion. A scenic drive along the Dentelles de Montmirail, takes you past forests and vineyards. En route, learn about the region’s rich heritage and the predominant grape variety, Grenache. Gain insight into a wide variety of blended wines, which contain up to 13 different permitted grape varieties. Arrive at the hilltop village of Gigondas, known for its wines since Roman times. At Domaine Cecile Chassagne, taste red and rose wines made from Grenache Noir and varying quantities of Syrah and Mourvedre. Continue further south to Vacqueyras, along the banks of the River Ouveze, to Domaine la Garrigue. At this ancient family-owned wine estate, get an overview of the production process, before sampling matured red, white and rose wines. Finally, enjoy panoramic views of the Rhone Valley from the ruins of the Pope’s summer palace before returning to Avignon.

Explore the beautiful region of Provence and learn about its fascinating Roman history. In the morning, traverse the quintessential French countryside punctuated by lavender fields, olive groves, expansive vineyards and snow-capped mountains. Stop at Arles to admire historical sites including the amphitheater, and take a walk on the Van Gogh heritage trail. Next, at the quaint Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, see ancient Roman sites particularly Glalum. You will also visit landmarks immortalized in Van Gogh’s famous paintings of the village. Later, leisurely discover the picturesque village of Les Baux de Provence perched on a rocky promontory surrounded by lush wooded hills. Enjoy walks in the old town and amid chateau fortifications. Finally, drop by Carrières de Lumières, a former quarry where you can marvel at large multimedia installations that showcase the works of French master painters, before returning to your accommodations.

Explore Paris and enjoy a picnic on this classic car tour. Make your way to the city center, where you will meet your guide and your classic car – a Citroën 2CV. Introduced in 1948, it is considered a masterpiece of minimalist automotive engineering. Spend the next 90 minutes driving around the city. Then take a break to enjoy a picnic lunch of cold cuts, cheese, and wine. Then spend another 90 minutes discovering the rest of the city. The tour is usually divided into five areas: north, south, center, west and east. You can customize the itinerary to suit your interests. In the center, go past the Louvre Museum, the Cathedral of Notre Dame, and the Arc de Triomphe. In the west, drive along the Champs-Elysées. The east contains the Grand Mosque of Paris and the Botanical Gardens. In the north, you will see Moulin Rouge and Opera Garnier while in the south you can explore the city’s Latin Quarter.

Take a guided walking tour through the enchanting Montmartre neighborhood in Paris and discover its artistic heritage. Meet your guide at the designated point and walk down the cobblestone streets. Pass charming old buildings, quaint shops and historic sites that once inspired famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Vincent van Gogh who lived and worked here. Along the way, hear stories of the area’s legendary cabaret culture and its colorful bohemian past. Explore hidden squares far from the crowds. Then, visit a picturesque vineyard, which still produces wine, in the heart of the city. After, follow your guide through lively streets filled with café terraces. Stop by the bustling Place du Tetre artist’s square to watch contemporary painters create and display their work, continuing a tradition that spans generations. Finally, climb to the Sacre Coeur basilica to soak in views of the city spread out beneath you.